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Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
As the countdown to the much-awaited Harare Show Cup Clash slated for August 30 at City Sports Centre begins, a good number of Zim dancehall fans are already anticipating a major showdown between arch rivals.The annual gig has always been used as a platform for artistes to settle scores albeit lyrically before a jury comprising mostly fans.

For one to win at the showdown, they have to please the crowd from start to finish and whoever gets the loudest cheers or rocks the most will be crowned.

So this year, the contest might go either way with the frontrunners being Winky D, Seh Calaz, Tocky Vibez, Shinsoman and of course Soul Jah Love.

While Shinsoman and Tocky Vibez have no beef with anyone, the spotlight is likely to be on Seh Calaz, the protagonist of a clique popularly known as “Mabhanditi”.

Seh Calaz finds himself in one corner against the heavy hitters in the likes of Winky D, Soul Jah Love and Tocky Vibez in the other corner.

And chances are high that a triple threat involving Winky D aka Ninja President, Soul Jah Love of the Conquering Lion and Mabhanditi will take centre stage.

Seh Calaz’s only undoing is that he has ruffled feathers of many in the genre. He picked up a fight with Winky D when he was still an upstart and when he got the fame he then started another beef with Soul Jah Love.

Unfortunately for him, these are the top rated performers who by far have excelled in the genre not by “dissing” other artistes but sheer delivery on stage.

For instance, take a listen to Tocky Vibez, the youngster is known for his delivery on stage and well thought out lyrics. He has no time to beef with anyone and fans love him for that.

It is not clear at this stage who else will be in Seh Calaz’s corner and to think that he will survive the onslaught from both the Ninja President and the Conquering Family, is a bit stretching the imagination.

Perhaps, he needs to deliver more than just “Kwatinobva Kwakasiyana” to match Winky D and Soul Jah Love who have dozens of hit songs between them.

There is no denying the fact that Seh Calaz is one of the best to date. He has built a strong fan base around him and it remains to be seen whether he has arrived or not.

The good thing, fans will be there to see it for themselves and crown whoever they feel deserves the title.

Given the magnitude of the Harare Show Cup Clash, obviously there will be several casualties especially when Zim dancehall acts Winky D, Soul Jah Love, Seh Calaz, Tocky vibes and Shinsoman take to the stage.

Show promoter Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions said the gig was aimed at showcasing the best in Zim dancehall.

“We have the best PA system and a proper stage for such a gig. There will not be any excuses for artistes not giving their all. Everyone is excited and we want to see who is running the game. He, however said every artiste will be given equal time to showcase themselves,” Chipaz said.